UP regents to study proposed tuition scheme amendments

MANILA, Philippines - University of the Philippines president Alfredo Pascual presented Friday proposed amendments to the university’s tuition scheme but members of UP’s board of regents asked for more consultation on the matter. 

There was no decision yet on the proposed amendment to the much-criticized Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP), according to staff regent Jossel Ebesate. The board of regents is the state university’s highest policy-making body.

Following the suicide of freshman Kristel Tejada allegedly over her failure to pay her tuition at UP Manila, the STFAP came under fire with some even calling for its abolition.

Pascual said the program has been under review even before Tejada’s suicide.

“Pascual proposed the amendments but there was no decision yet as of today. The board issued a policy opinion that there should be a consultation first among the different stakeholders “ Ebesate said following Friday’s meeting, attended by nine of 11 regents.

“The board also issued an opinion that no student should be denied (enrollment) because of financial incapability,” Ebesate said.

Pascual earlier said there was a need to revise the STFAP scheme due to problems like the long application process.

Among the proposed changes is the integration of the income information in the application to take the UP college admission test. There is also a proposal to revise the “bracketing” scheme that classifies students based on financial status.

Pascual also proposed the automation of applications for student loans to speed up the process and increase slots for assistance to students.